You walk into the Robert A. Arnzen Gymnasium on a Friday night and the first thing you notice isn't the scoreboard. It’s the heat. Not just from the radiators, but from about a thousand people in blue sweatshirts packed into a space that feels way too small for the energy they’re putting out. This is Delphos St. John’s basketball. It’s not just a high school sport here; it’s a shared inheritance.
Honestly, if you aren't from West Central Ohio, you might think "Division VII" means small-time. You'd be dead wrong.
The Elwer Era and the Weight of 2,000 Points
Right now, everyone is talking about Cameron Elwer. They should be. The kid is a Furman commit and basically a walking bucket. On December 12, 2025, he didn't just play a game against Minster; he rewritten the record books. He dropped 45 points that night, officially passing Versailles legend Justin Ahrens to become the all-time leading scorer in Midwest Athletic Conference (MAC) history.
Think about that. The MAC is arguably the toughest small-school conference in the country. To be the king of that hill is a massive deal.
But here is the thing: the "Elwer" name on the back of the jersey is everywhere this year. It’s kinda wild. You’ve got Cameron, sure. But then there’s Andrew, Keaton, Easton, and Grayson. Five of them. Coach Aaron Elwer, now in his 19th season, has joked about putting all five on the court at once. It hasn't happened often, but the community is practically begging for it. It's the ultimate small-town basketball dream.
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Why "The Vatican" Still Intimidates People
They call the gym "The Vatican." It’s a nickname that sticks because of the school's Catholic identity, but mostly because of the atmosphere. It’s claustrophobic for opponents.
Delphos St. John’s basketball has always been built on a specific brand of substance. It’s not just about flashy shooting—though they have plenty of that. This 2025-26 team is currently undefeated in the MAC, sitting at 12-0 overall as of mid-January. They are averaging over 72 points a game. That’s a crazy number for Ohio high school ball, where some teams struggle to hit 50.
The Legacy of Bob Arnzen
You can't talk about the Blue Jays without mentioning Bob Arnzen. He coached for 43 years. Imagine doing anything for 43 years. He racked up 676 wins. He's the reason the floor is named what it is. He established the standard: play hard, play together, and never give an inch at home.
The program has a history that stretches back to a state semi-final appearance in 1924. They’ve won state titles in 1983 and 2002. They’ve been the runner-up four times. When you put on that blue jersey, you aren't just playing for your teammates; you're playing for the guys who sat in those lockers in 1954 or 1982.
What's Different About This 2026 Run?
Most people think St. John’s is a one-man show with Cameron Elwer. That’s the big misconception. If you watch the tape from the Lima Central Catholic (LCC) game on January 11—a classic overtime thriller—you see the "substance" Coach Elwer talks about.
LCC tried to take Cameron away. They face-guarded him. They bumped him. So, what happened?
- Jackson Wiechart stepped up. He’s been a "dagger" shooter all season.
- Brayden Klaus and Tyce McClain did the dirty work in the paint.
- Maddox Kroeger provided the spark off the bench.
The Jays won 66-62 in OT. That game proved they aren't just a scoring machine; they’re a team that can grind out a win when the shots aren't falling. Their defense, while sometimes overshadowed by the 11 three-pointers Cameron might hit in a single night, is holding teams to under 49 points on average.
The Road to Dayton
The goal is always the state tournament. In 2026, the path through Division VII is brutal. You’ve got teams like Marion Local—who St. John’s just faced in a massive "undefeated vs. undefeated" showdown—who play a style that is the polar opposite of the Blue Jays. While St. John’s wants to run and gun, Marion Local wants to turn the game into a wrestling match.
It’s a clash of philosophies.
Tickets for that Marion Local game sold out in five minutes. Five minutes! That’s faster than most Taylor Swift concerts in some cities. It shows you exactly what this sport means to this corner of Ohio.
Key Stats to Watch This Season
- Points Per Game: 72.6 (Leading the MAC)
- Three-Point Percentage: Hovering around 41% as a team.
- Cameron Elwer’s Career Total: Well over 2,100 points and climbing.
- Home Record: 5-0 (The Vatican remains a fortress).
Actionable Insights for Fans and Residents
If you're looking to follow the Blue Jays through the rest of the 2026 season and into the tournament, here is how to stay ahead of the curve.
1. Watch the RPI Rankings
The OHSAA uses an RPI system to determine tournament seeding. Even if the Jays drop a game late in the season, their "Strength of Schedule" from playing in the MAC will keep them near the top. Keep an eye on the MaxPreps RPI updates every Tuesday.
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2. Get Tickets Early
For remaining home games against teams like Versailles or Parkway, do not wait until game day. The school has moved to more digital ticketing options, but the 2,000-seat capacity fills up during the JV game. If you aren't in your seat by 6:30 PM, you're probably standing in the corners.
3. Monitor the Health of the Support Cast
The Blue Jays' championship hopes depend on health. While Cameron Elwer is the engine, the spacing provided by Jackson Wiechart and Andrew Elwer is what makes the offense impossible to guard. Watch the box scores for "points in the paint" to see if they are maintaining balance.
4. Follow the Regional Brackets
The Division VII regional finals are where the real test begins. Traditionally, the Northwest Ohio region is a gauntlet. Start looking at potential matchups with teams from the Shelby County Athletic League (SCAL) like Russia or Fort Loramie, as these are the teams St. John’s often meets on the road to Dayton.
The legacy of Delphos St. John's basketball isn't just about the trophies in the hall. It's about the fact that on a Tuesday night in January, against a school with 100 students, the entire town shows up. They expect excellence because they've seen it for a hundred years. This 2026 squad isn't just chasing a ring; they're upholding a standard that Bob Arnzen set decades ago.